Exercise is important to good health, but can it have a detrimental effect on our teeth? Studies have shown that exercise and fitness habits can result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in many ways, including:
Decreased Saliva Flow: Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and cause the mouth to dry out. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent decay. To prevent decay caused by a dry mouth, learn to breathe through the nose during exercise and hydrate with water before, during, and after your workout. You can also brush your teeth before you exercise to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque.
Jaw Clenching: Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even cracked teeth. To protect teeth from the effects of clenching, consider using a mouthguard. These can be purchased at most drugstores or sporting goods stores or our dentist can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.
Consuming Sports Drinks: Studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to the teeth than water. The citric acid they contain can soften the tooth enamel so much that even brushing can cause tooth damage. Taking frequent, small sips of sugary liquids increases the chance of tooth decay. Avoiding the use of sports drinks and hydrating with water instead can prevent these negative effects. If you feel you must use sports drinks, don’t drink small amounts over an extended period of time, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and avoid brushing immediately after consuming.
Contact Kaukauna Family Dentistry to schedule your next preventative dental appointment with our Kaukauna family dentist.
EATING DISORDERS can cause many kinds of damage to the body, including the teeth. Oral hygiene…
WE’VE BEEN HEARING for decades how dangerous smoking is to many aspects of our health. As…
THE REASON DAILY brushing and flossing are so important for keeping harmful oral bacteria populations under…
IF EVERY BITE of ice cream or every sip of coffee gives your teeth a nasty…
HERE’S A HANDY GUIDE that can help parents navigate the toothbrush aisle the next time they…
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD of “Mountain Dew Mouth”? It’s what happens to our teeth when we…